Maryland State Senate District 30

What’s the job: One of 188 members of Maryland’s General Assembly, split between the House of Delegates and the Senate. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving state spending and providing oversight of Maryland government operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Sen. Shaneka Henson

Age: 43

Personal: Mother, Annapolis native.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Coppin State University; juris doctor, University of Baltimore School of Law.

Experience: Maryland state senator, District 30, including as member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee; member, Maryland House of Delegates; member, Annapolis City Council, including as chair of the Housing and Human Welfare Committee; attorney and founder of Johnson Legal Group.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Republican

Name: Jessica Haire

Age: 43

Personal: Married, four children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, civil engineering, George Washington University; juris doctor, American University Washington College of Law; master’s degree, international affairs, American University School of International Service.

Experience: Partner and government contracts attorney, Burr & Forman; member, Anne Arundel County Council, District 7 (2018-2022); Anne Arundel County Commission for Women; Anne Arundel County court-appointed special advocate (Casa for Children).

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?